Rectal carcinoma arising in a patient with intestinal and hepatic schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma mekongi

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic trematode infection spread by snails with multiple species causing human disease. Infection can cause liver disease, including fibrosis and portal hypertension, and has been linked to malignancies such as bladder and colorectal cancer. We describe a case of Schistosoma mekongi, a geographically limited form of schistosomiasis, in a Laotian immigrant who presented with both hepatic fibrosis and rectal cancer, with numerous schistosome eggs present in the patient’s rectal resection. We believe this case is the first report of a rectal carcinoma arising in the setting of S. mekongi infection.

Changing trends, clinicopathological characteristics, surgical treatment patterns, and prognosis of schistosomiasis-associated versus non-schistosomiasis-associated colorectal cancer: a large retrospective cohort study of 31 153 cases in Shanghai, China (2001–2021)

“…Schistosomiasis or bilharziasis is a common parasitic, communicable disease caused by blood flukes (schistosomes) of the genus Schistosoma that spreads through intermediate host snails 1 , 2 . Schistosomiasis is the second most popular parasitic disease worldwide 3 , 4 .…”

“…S. japonicum , the major species in China, is considered the most pathogenic because it produces substantially more eggs (up to 3000 eggs per day) than the other four species 7 . S. japonicum is mostly found in East Asian countries 2 . Schistosome eggs can be trapped in some tissues and organs, such as the liver and intestines, causing granulomas and fibrosis, resulting in various diseases, including liver cirrhosis and colorectal cancer (CRC) 2 .…”

“…S. japonicum is mostly found in East Asian countries 2 . Schistosome eggs can be trapped in some tissues and organs, such as the liver and intestines, causing granulomas and fibrosis, resulting in various diseases, including liver cirrhosis and colorectal cancer (CRC) 2 .…”

Schistosomal (bilharzial) polyps: Travel through the colon and beyond

“…Furthermore, an emerging evidence through biomolecular mechanisms suggests an association between S. Mansoni and human carcinogenesis mainly for HCC and CRC and this is likely through many egg-related agents and Th2-immune mechanisms[ 41 ]. A single recent report described for the first time a concomitant infection with S. Mekongi and rectal cancer[ 42 ].…”